Elementary schools without playgrounds


FE Team | Published: June 15, 2017 20:11:26 | Updated: October 24, 2017 04:30:22


Elementary schools without playgrounds

CHILDREN in Dhaka are missing out on physical activities because of a shortage of playgrounds. A recent survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics suggests that only 2.0 per cent children have access to playgrounds in the capital city. The report says, more than 11,000 kindergarten students in Dhaka do not have any playgrounds. Can you imagine an elementary school without a playground? This is both unfortunate and sad. Children need to have time for play which is a part of elementary school education.
Lack of access to play is a national issue as it adversely affects children's physical and mental growth. There are no alternatives to games and sports and through only active participation in sports and extra-curricular activities, can children develop as worthy citizens of the country. We should make sure that all children have adequate physical workouts for their all-round physical and mental development by addressing the scarcity of playgrounds in schools. It is crucial that an elementary school provide its students with ample time and space to play within the school hours. 
Md. Khalid Hasan
Institute of Education & Research
University of Dhaka
khalidhasan.du@gmail.com
 

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